Oil slick from grounded ship 'Caroline Bezengi' extends 390sqkm off Oman’s Dhofar coast

Dhofar: The Environment Authority and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology are continuing coordinated efforts to contain the environmental impact of the grounded ship “Caroline Bezengi” off the Hallaniyat Islands in Dhofar Governorate.The Environment Authority said satellite imagery, environmental modelling and field surveys show an oil slick covering about 390 square kilometres in the sea area associated with the incident. The slick extends northeast from the Hallaniyat Islands toward the mainland coast and has come to within approximately 7 kilometres of the shoreline at its closest point. Monitoring indicates the slick has followed a similar trajectory, with its observed extension reaching about 449 kilometres. Current modelling suggests it is generally moving northeast and could advance by around 121 kilometres over the next 48 hours, depending on prevailing winds, currents and other marine and atmospheric conditions.The authority stressed that the 390 sq km figure represents the geographical area where oil pollution was detected, not the quantity of oil spilled. The size and shape of an oil slick can change because of dispersion, currents, winds, waves and other environmental conditions.The thickest portions of the pollution could move toward the entrances of Ras Madrakah, prompting continued intensive monitoring of environmentally sensitive marine and coastal areas.The Environment Authority said pollution remains present on the sea surface and continues to move, spread and change shape. Specialist teams are comparing successive satellite and field observations to determine the direction and rate of movement and to distinguish between continuous accumulations and dispersed patches.The authority also said that marine habitats, coral reefs, turtle nesting areas, islands and other environmentally sensitive locations are being closely monitored and incorporated into ongoing risk assessments.Environment Authority President Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Amri said there is currently no cause for concern regarding vital facilities, including water desalination plants, the fish farming project, and economic and tourism systems along the coast, stressing that seawater is being continuously examined by specialist teams.He added that emergency plans have been activated for different scenarios and that aircraft are monitoring the movement of the oil slicks daily in designated areas. He noted that difficult weather conditions have complicated technical operations, while also helping push the slicks away from Omani shores.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology said technical teams, supported by a specialist company, are conducting inspections of the ship’s hull to identify leakage sources and develop solutions to contain them. Efforts include aerial surveillance, diving operations, field monitoring and technical work to safely transfer the ship’s oil cargo, followed by efforts to salvage the vessel.Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Rawahi, Director General of Maritime Affairs at the ministry, said the priority is to stop or reduce continued pollution, secure the vessel and safely remove its oil cargo while protecting response teams, the marine environment and navigation.The response involves multiple national entities, including the Royal Air Force of Oman, Royal Oman Police Coast Guard, Royal Navy of Oman, Maritime Security Centre, National Emergency Management Centre and other concerned authorities.The Environment Authority urged the public and media to rely on official updates and warned against circulating unapproved figures, maps or estimates regarding the quantity, extent or potential impact of the oil pollution.